(CNN) Australia experienced its hottest average day across the country Tuesday, with the national temperature soaring as devastating wildfires continued to burn across New South Wales (NSW) state. The heat wave comes as deadly bush fires continue to ravage NSW, exacerbated by the heat, wind, and the worst drought in decades. Newspaper cartoonists depicted the leader lounging on a beach, while smoke from the Australian bush fires blighted his view. The soaring temperatures come just days after Australia, along with several other big polluters, were accused of obstructionist behavior at the UN climate summit COP25. Disasters like the fires and floods have devastated the livelihoods of farmers and wrought millions of dollars' worth of damage.

Source: CNN December 18, 2019 05:45 UTC